TV Show Tapings

Be Part of the Studio Audience

It's fun—and free—to attend the tapings of popular television shows shot in New York City. You get to see huge stars up close, and if you're lucky, your friends at home might even see you on TV.

The wait for advance tickets is often long, so it's best to write in for them or reserve online far before your desired date. Still, many shows have standby options if you're willing to wait in line. See below for the addresses, schedules and other important info for NYC-based TV shows.

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The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah airs Monday through Thursday at 11pm on Comedy Central. It parodies politics, pop culture, entertainment and news.Ticket Info: To sign up for tickets, go to showclix.com; reservations for shows a few weeks out are released on a gradual basis, so it pays to keep visiting the website.Show Requirements: You must be 18 or older to attend. Also, as ticket distribution may be in excess of studio capacity, admission is not guaranteed, even with reservations. No cameras or recording devices allowed. Location: 733 Eleventh Ave. (bet. W. 51st and W. 52nd Sts.) Schedule: Tapings are at Mondays through Thursdays at 6pm and last until around 7:15pm. You can check in beginning at 2:30pm, at which time tickets will be distributed and you'll be given a time to return (around 4:30pm or so).

The Dr. Oz Show. Courtesy, Harpo Productions

The Dr. Oz Show (syndicated)

Dr. Mehmet Oz, vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University, discusses health issues and dispenses advice in front of a live studio audience on The Dr. Oz Show. Audience members are sometimes contacted in advance and asked to participate in on-air segments. Check local listings for channels and air times.Ticket Info: Tickets are available online. For standby tickets, an audience staffer will be at ABC Studios at 320 W. 66th St., at 8:50am and 1:50pm on most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Show Requirements: You must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets are nontransferable, so bring a photo ID. No cameras or recording devices allowed. The show has a dress code, and those who don't follow it might not be admitted.Location: 320 W. 66th St. (bet. West End Ave. and Freedom Place)Schedule: During the season, the show tapes twice a day, three days a week, at 10am and 3pm (specific shooting days vary). Audience members must arrive at least 90 minutes early.

Good Morning America. Photo: Alex Lopez

Good Morning America (ABC)

Catch Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Lara Spencer, Amy Robach and Ginger Zee on Good Morning America, ABC's morning news and lifestyle program, live on weekdays at 7am.Ticket Info: To receive tickets, submit your request online.Show Requirements: Studio audience members must bring a valid photo ID. Bags should not be larger than a basic purse. Gifts or cards for the hosts or guests are not allowed. Neither signs nor clothing should endorse a business or product, nor should they feature a website or an address.Location: Times Square (at Broadway and West 44th Street)Schedule:Good Morning America tapes Monday through Friday from 7 to 9am. (There is no studio audience for the weekend edition.)

Inside the Actors Studio (Bravo)

James Lipton interviews entertainers at Pace University on Inside the Actors Studio, which is actually a seminar for master's degree students at the school. Episodes consist mostly of one-on-one interviews between Lipton and the guests. Shoots last up to four hours (the conversations are edited down for television).Ticket Info: Standby tickets are sometimes available to the general public, and to get them, you have to wait on line the day of the show to see if tickets are available. The line forms outside of the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts where the show is recorded; sign up for Pace's mailing list to find out when the shows will be taped. Please note that waiting on the standby line does not guarantee you a ticket.Show Requirements: You must be 18 or older to attend. No food, beverages, gum chewing, knitting or hats allowed. Those wearing clothes with writing or logos may be required to sit out of the camera shot. No cameras or cell phones allowed.Location: Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University, 3 Spruce St. (bet. William and Gold Sts.)Schedule: There is no set schedule, but information about upcoming episodes is posted on schimmel.pace.edu and sent out to a mailing list. Arrive one hour before showtime.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

British comedian-cum-firebrand John Oliver already had his fans as a Daily Show correspondent, but he's really rocketed to fame as the host of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, on which he recaps the week's current events with his whip-smart sense of humor.Ticket Info: Tickets are available at lastweektickets.com up to two and a half weeks in advance of taping dates.Show Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to attend.Location: The CBS Broadcast Center, 528 W. 57th St. (bet. Tenth and Eleventh Aves.)Schedule:Last Week Tonight tapes most Sundays at 6:15pm. Arrive at least 40 minutes prior to the start time.

Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)

Seth Meyers, best known as a head writer and "Weekend Update" coanchor on Saturday Night Live, heads up Late Nightin NBC's 12:35pm slot. The show airs Monday through Friday.Ticket Info: For free tickets to future shows, call 212-664-3056 (ticket lines are open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm Eastern Time) or go online. Tickets are generally booked four to six weeks in advance. Separate tickets to see Meyers rehearse his monologue are available on show dates at the Shop at NBC Studios (30 Rockefeller Plaza, via the Sixth Avenue entrance), at 12:30pm.Show Requirements: Audience members must be 16 or older, and photo ID is required. Individuals may not attend more than one show taping every four months. No groups larger than four people allowed. No luggage, backpacks, or large shopping bags allowed. All shows are overbooked, and reservations do not guarantee admission. Standby tickets (one per person) are handed out at 9am on the mornings of tapings in front of the store; arrive early.Location: Studio 8G, 30 Rockefeller Plaza (bet. Fifth and Sixth Aves. and W. 49th and W. 50th Sts.)Schedule:Late Night with Seth Meyers usually tapes Monday through Thursday at 6:30pm. Please arrive no later than 5pm.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)

After 20-plus years of being fronted by David Letterman, The Late Show welcomed a new host on in late 2015. Stephen Colbert, whose satirical Colbert Report skewered conservatives for nearly a decade, has shed that blowhard persona for that of a more conventional late-night ringleader. There are still shenanigans and a strong current-events bent, but celebrities and musical acts share the stage too. The show airs weeknights at 11:35pm. The below gives you the essentials; for much more, including details on the venue, an idea of what to expect on line and once you're inside, and places in the area to grab a bite, see our complete Late Show guide.Ticket Info: To get tickets, go online. It can be hard to score them, so check frequently and plan well ahead. Show Requirements: You must be 16 or older to attend. Each person is entitled to two tickets (the guest's name must be on the ticket; tickets are not transferable). Studio audience members must bring a government-issued photo ID. Use of cell phones, pagers, cameras or recording devices is not allowed; food and drink are prohibited as well. Due to the large volume of requests for tickets, you may apply for tickets only once in a six-month period; those who have already attended a show are not eligible to attend for another six months from the date of attendance. Location: 1697 Broadway (bet. W. 53rd and W. 54th Sts.) Schedule:The Late Show generally tapes Monday through Thursday at 5:30pm (earlier on Thursday); aim to arrive no later than 3pm for check-in. For more information, call 212-975-8800.

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Live with Kelly and Ryan

Live with Kelly and Ryan, hosted by Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, is a popular syndicated morning talk show. It airs live on weekdays from 9am to 10am.Ticket Info: The wait may be long for advance tickets, but it is still possible to get same-day tickets. To obtain tickets in advance, find an open day on kellyandryan.com and click through to fill out the request form. To get same-day tickets, arrive at the southeast corner of Columbus Avenue and West 67th Street as early as 7am for a standby number. After ticket holders are seated, standbys are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.Show Requirements: Children between 10 and 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult; those under 10 are not allowed in the studio. Cameras are allowed, but flash photography is prohibited.Location: The studio is at 7 Lincoln Square, at the southeast corner of Columbus Avenue and West 67th Street.Schedule:Live with Kelly and Ryan broadcasts live from 9am to 10am on weekdays. Ticket holders should arrive at the studio by or before 7:45am.

Murphy Brown (CBS)

Candace Bergen is back with many of the other original cast members from this classic '90s sitcom. While the original show was shot in Burbank, the reboot films right here in New York City (where Bergen now lives), with tapings at the famed Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens. The show airs Thursdays at 9:30pm on CBS. Ticket Info: Visit tvtickets.com and fill out a short form for free tickets. Show Requirements: You must be 18 or older to attend. Make sure to print out your email confirmation and bring it with you. No cell phones, smart watches or other recording devices are allowed in the studio; electronic devices will be locked in a box, which you can access after the taping is over.Location: Kaufman Astoria Studios, 34-12 36th St., Astoria, QueensSchedule: The new season's tapings take place on Fridays at 5pm through mid-November. Producers suggest that audience members arrive early to check in—no later than 3:30pm.

The Rachel Ray Show. Courtesy, Rachel Ray Show

The Rachael Ray Show (syndicated)

On The Rachael Ray Show, the Emmy Award–winning host and celebrity chef talks with famous guests, welcomes music stars and—of course—cooks. Check local listings for channels and air times.Ticket Info: To request tickets, visit rachaelrayshow.com. Standby tickets may be available too; show up at least an hour before taping times.Show Requirements: You must be 16 or older to be an audience member, and you may attend only one taping per season. Visitors will need to present a government-issued photo ID. The show enforces a business-casual dress code.Location: Chelsea Television Studios, 221 W. 26th St. (bet. Seventh and Eighth Aves.)Schedule: The show tapes Tuesdays through Thursdays at 11am, 2:30pm and 4:15pm (some days there may just be two shows); audience members should arrive at least an hour ahead of time.

Saturday Night Live (NBC)

NYC institutionSaturday Night Live is a live comedy and entertainment show airing at 11:30pm on Saturdays. It features celebrity guest hosts and musical performances. The show is a hot ticket for both visitors and New Yorkers.Ticket Info: Tickets are given out once a year through a lottery. To enter, send an email to snltickets@nbcuni.com during the month of August only (in advance of the upcoming season). In the email, explain why you're a fan of the show and want to be part of the studio audience. Do not request a specific date. One email per household allowed. Winners will each receive two tickets for a specific show date and performance (dress rehearsal or live show). You will be notified only if you are selected.
Standby tickets (one per person) are distributed at 7am on the West 49th Street side of 30 Rockefeller Plaza on the mornings of the tapings. You can choose between the 8pm dress rehearsal and the 11:30pm live taping, though you're not guaranteed admission. Show Requirements: You must be 16 or older to attend. Standby-line members must remain in line at all times (aside from minimal, necessary breaks).Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (bet. Fifth and Sixth Aves. and W. 49th and W. 50th Sts.)Schedule: On Saturdays, arrive no later than 7:15pm for the 8pm dress rehearsal and 10:45pm for the 11:30pm live show.

Today (NBC)

Today is NBC's morning news and lifestyle program. The show—featuring Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, Carson Daly, Kathie Lee Gifford, Natalie Morales, Willie Geist, Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones, and Craig Melvin—tapes on the ground floor at the corner of West 48th Street and Rockefeller Plaza. Fans gather outside on the plaza to watch (and to try to snag some time in front of the camera). During the first two hours of the show on weekdays (7–9am), Today's hosts and guests are outside on the plaza and fans can see them up close. During the show's second half (9–11am), viewers can still watch—and wave to friends and family at home—through the window of Studio 1A. On weekends, the hosts may periodically visit the plaza during the show. Ticket Info: No tickets are necessary. For more info, visit today.com/visit.Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (bet. Fifth and Sixth Aves.; enter at W. 48th St.) Schedule: The show tapes Mondays through Fridays from 7 to 11am and Saturday from 7 to 9am; try to arrive an hour before the show starts to get a good spot on the plaza.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC)

NBC's longest-running late-night franchise has returned to its ancestral (and rightful) home in New York City, and host Jimmy Fallon has made it a hot ticket and social media talking point. The show airs Monday through Friday at 11:30pm.Ticket Info: To book free tickets, visit tonightshowtix.com; you'll need to sign up for 1iota before applying. The ticket release date is posted on the shows Twitter page; each month's block opens up roughly a month in advance. Standby tickets are distributed at 9am under the NBC marquee on the 49th Street side of 30 Rock; line up early to have a chance (though you're still not guaranteed admission). The show also offers the chance to get a ticket for monologue rehearsal; the same requirements below, and with 1iota, apply.Show Requirements: Audience members must be 16 or older, and photo ID is required. Individuals may not attend more than one show taping every six months. No groups larger than four people allowed. Audience members may not use cell phones, cameras or other electronic devices in the studio.Location: Studio 6B, 30 Rockefeller Plaza (bet. Fifth and Sixth Aves. and W. 49th and W. 50th Sts.)Schedule:The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon tapes Mondays through Fridays at 5pm; arrive no later than 3:15pm.

The View (ABC)

On The View, Whoopi Goldberg moderates a daily discussion of current events and interviews celebrity guests; cohosts include Sunny Hostin, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Paula Faris and Meghan McCain. The show airs weekdays at 11am.Ticket Info: Apply for tickets online at 1iota.com. For day-of-show standby tickets, pick up a number from an audience associate between 8am and 9am at the audience entrance.Show Requirements: You must be 16 or older to attend.Location: 57 W. 66th St. (bet. Columbus Ave. and Central Park West); note that you can write to that address to try to request tickets.Schedule: Ticket holders must arrive by 9:30am, around an hour and a half before airtime.

The Wendy Williams Show. Photo: Anders Krusberg

The Wendy Williams Show (syndicated and on BET)

On The Wendy Williams Show, the famously outspoken, wig-clad member of the National Radio Hall of Fame dishes outrageous celebrity gossip and interviews famous guests. She even invites audience members onto the set for a mini dance party before her show starts. Check local listings for channels and air times.Ticket Info: Visit wendyshow.com to reserve up to five tickets, and do so well in advance. For standby tickets, arrive at the studio no later than 8:30am on the day of the show; if tickets are available, they'll be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Group-ticket information is available on the show's website.Show Requirements: You must be 18 or older to attend. Bring your email confirmation but leave hats, sunglasses, costumes, shirts with logos or writing, shorts and casual tank tops at home.Location: Chelsea Television Studios, 221 W. 26th St. (bet. Seventh and Eighth Aves.)Schedule: The program is usually broadcast live at 10am Monday through Thursday, and another show is taped on Thursdays (and some Tuesdays) at 1:30pm. Audience members must arrive at least two hours early.

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